Go pushes for stronger fire safety efforts

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go personally provided assistance to fire victims in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City on Saturday.

Go highlighted that the government continues to prioritize better fire prevention efforts as the Bureau of Fire Protection is currently undergoing a modernization program, following the enactment of Republic Act 11589 or the BFP Modernization Act, which was primarily authored and co-sponsored by Go.

The law mandates a 10-year modernization program for BFP that would significantly improve its capability to respond to fire-related incidents by recruiting more firefighters, acquiring new fire equipment and developing specialized training, among others.

Together with Quezon City District 6 Rep. Marivic Co-Pilar, Councilor Banjo Pilar and Caloocan City Rep. Mitch Cajayon-Uy, Go and his team provided grocery packs, vitamins, masks, meals, basketballs and volleyballs for 250 affected families. Select recipients also received watches, shoes, bicycles and mobile phones.

Separately, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial assistance. The Department of Trade and Industry and National Housing Authority assessed the fire victims for possible livelihood support and housing assistance, respectively.